Unit 6 · Project 1
Vector Character
Your vector character is the mascot or spokesperson for the brand you'll build this unit. The character should have a clear personality communicated through shape language — rounded shapes feel friendly, angular shapes feel edgy or dynamic, geometric shapes feel modern and precise. Design your character in a simple, iconic style that will work at small sizes (like on a loyalty card) and large sizes (like on a poster). The character should feel like it belongs to a real brand.
Objectives
- 1Character must be fully vector (no photos or raster images)
- 2Personality must be clear from the design alone — no text needed to explain it
- 3Use a defined color palette of 3–5 colors
- 4Character must work at both small (1 inch) and large (full page) sizes
Materials
- Adobe Illustrator or Canva vector tools
- Pencil and paper for initial sketches
- Color palette reference
Tips & Techniques
1Sketch at least 6 character concepts before going digital — explore different shapes and personalities
2Limit your character to 3–5 colors maximum for brand consistency
3Think about what industry your brand is in — a coffee shop character looks different from a tech startup character
4Simple silhouettes are more memorable than complex detailed characters
Lesson Videos
Character Design Fundamentals
11 minDesigning a vector character with personality, shape language, and color.